Spurs legend David Robinson hosts pep rally at Haven for Hope

Spurs legend David Robinson hosted a pep rally at Haven for Hope, met residents there and used the city’s ongoing NBA playoff energy to kick off a drive for needed materials Wednesday.

Accompanied by some Silver Dancers and the Coyote — and a choral group from USAA that sang the national anthem — Robinson and his entourage filled the cafeteria with Spurs fans who live and work at the campus, a non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of San Antonio’s homeless.

“Regardless of the reasons why people are struggling, it’s still our responsibility to encourage them, help them get on their feet … and live a kind of life that is honoring to God,” he said before the event.

Robinson “wanted to do something special for the residents, and we put all of this together in a matter of a few days,” Haven for Hope Chairman Bill Greehey said.

The Spurs players are role models for children who live at Haven, Greehey said.

Resident Ronald Harris agreed — the event was most important for the children, he said. He has six of his own, though none of them are at Haven.

“These kids love him,” he said of Robinson. “They love basketball and their Spurs.”

Irma Martinez, a Haven recovery support specialist who became a fan of the Spurs when Robinson joined the team, was excited by the visit.

“It just lifts up (residents’) spirits so much,” she said.

Residents received free T-shirts and posters courtesy of Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Robinson allowed that his favorite Spur is Manu Ginobili, but he is proud of the younger players as well.

He has spoken at two graduations at Haven and taught a Bible study there. But the event Wednesday was the first visit by two of his sons.

“My dad said this would be a great opportunity to see what the Spurs do in the community and I really wanted to see that,” said Corey Robinson, 17.

Corey said he wants to volunteer at Haven in his free time

“I think it’s amazing,” he said. “From what I’ve seen so far, I kind of want to be a part of it.”